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AT HOME | a blog by Joanna Gaines

Episode 03 - The Plain Gray Ranch

The Yeildings described their design style as traditional, but the home they chose was more ranch-style, so I wanted to find a way to blend both styles seamlessly. The original layout of the home was closed off, which is typical of the 1950s era when it was built. It was sectioned off with lots of unnecessary walls and dated design elements, like heart-patterned wallpaper and linoleum flooring. Spaces like the kitchen and master bathroom needed a complete update, while the family room, entryway and master bedroom only required cosmetic updates to add character. With the Yeildings’ love of entertaining, and their styles in mind, we created a house we hoped they’d be excited to call home.

KITCHEN

Objective: Entertaining is the Yeildings’ favorite thing to do weekly, so it was important that the kitchen space also encompassed a dining space.

This unique shaped backsplash is balanced by its neutral color, giving this kitchen the traditional feel we wanted to achieve.

The new kitchen footprint took up more area than the original, so to save space, we designed an island that would double as bench seating for the dining room table. This made enough area for both a dining room and a kitchen large enough for entertaining.

Kitchen Before

LIVING

Objective: To remove wall separating the living room from the kitchen, open up the floor plan and design a traditional space that the Yeildings would enjoy.

The first thing you see when you walk into the Yeilding’s home is the stunning family room. As an added design element, we added freshly cut pine beams to define the space and bring the ranch-style into the home.

This fireplace is actually made from stucco. It turned out to be the perfect focal point and anchor to the entire living space.

MASTER SUITE

Objective: The master suite needed to be a retreat for the Yeildings to relax after a long day. They also needed a larger master bathroom with a tub and a shower.

The original master bedroom was a good size, but it lacked character. To add interest, we decided on this beautiful chandelier with bead detailing. Other changes included new paint, flooring, new windows and trim.

The carrara tile combined with the soft silver blue color of the cabinets, made for a beautiful traditional style bathroom.

The master bedroom may have been a simple cosmetic update, but the master bathroom was more of a challenge. We moved the mechanical closet to make a larger area for the bathroom. The extra space allowed us to incorporate a tub/shower combo and a double vanity.

interview with

HOMEOWNER

Q. Your unique island with the built in booth was one of our favorites. How have you used this in your everyday life?

A.Yes, we love our island. We use it a lot, especially when we have company over since it doubles as a seating/dining room table. Everyone always comments on our Carrara marble!

Q. Was there anything about the house that you specifically asked for?

A.When we were looking at other houses, something we really wanted was a fireplace. So, I was pretty bummed when this house didn’t have one. When we walked in and saw the fireplace it was such a fun surprise.

Q. What was your favorite room in the house?

A. I love the kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s an open floor plan, so I guess that counts as one space. So much really great natural light comes in with the french doors. It feels really peaceful.

Q. Did you ask for any specific colors?

A.We really wanted the kitchen to be white. It turned out so well using the neutral color in our cabinets and fridge. Another one of my favorites was the backsplash in the kitchen.It was an honor to be able to fix up the Yeilding family’s very first home together. I hope entertaining friends becomes seamless in this new space, and the newly renovated master retreat is a peaceful place they can relax for years to come.